NICOSIA, Cyprus – Community members came together on Monday to denounce a bombing attack on the offices of the anti-racist organization KISA. The attack, which occurred on January 5, resulted in shattered glass panels and destroyed archives, prompting calls for a thorough police investigation.
The Alliance Against the Far Right, Fascism, and Racism organized a demonstration outside KISA’s offices, drawing attention to the incident and advocating for justice. Former Minister and Member of the European Parliament for AKEL, Neoklis Sylikiotis, spoke at the event, condemning the violent attack and expressing solidarity with KISA.
Orestis Matsas, a member of the coordinating committee of the Alliance, emphasized the systematic targeting of migrants, refugees, and their advocates by public figures, politicians, and mainstream media. He urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. Leandros Savvides, speaking on behalf of KISA, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting equality and justice despite the attack.
Following the incident, KISA’s offices have been sealed and are set to undergo repairs, as announced by the organization. KISA president Doros Polykarpou disclosed that he had received numerous death threats for his work on immigration and anti-racism, filing complaints with the police against various far-right, nationalist, and racist groups.
The attack on KISA’s offices prompted a condemnation from Amnesty International, highlighting the increase in racist violence in Cyprus and raising concerns about the safety of human rights defenders in the country.
The incident is part of a disturbing trend, with reported incidents of bias-motivated violence on the rise in Cyprus. From attacks on migrants, tourists, and members of the media to targeted assaults on foreign delivery drivers, the situation has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of vulnerable communities. The Council of Europe also pointed out the widespread hate speech in the country.
The state authorities are under pressure to conduct a serious investigation into the attack and identify those responsible, as organizations and political figures advocate for stronger integration policies to protect migrants and refugees in vulnerable circumstances.
In May 2023, a Cypriot man was sentenced to eight months for assaulting a pregnant African woman, sparking outrage on the island. The incident underscores the urgency of addressing racism and hate-motivated violence in Cyprus.
Overall, the attack on KISA’s offices has shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by organizations and individuals working to promote equality and combat racism in Cyprus. The incident has sparked calls for action and solidarity in the fight against discrimination and violence.